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Dunfermline
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Dunfermline (Scottish Gaelic: Dłn Phąrlain) is a town in Fife which had official city status until 1970. It is located on high ground five miles from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth on the route of major road and rail crossings across the firth to Edinburgh and the south.
Dunfermline was an ancient capital of Scotland and is the burial place for many in the country's line of monarchs including Robert I and Saint Margaret.
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Encyclopedia
Dunfermline (Scottish Gaelic: Dłn Phąrlain) is a town in Fife which had official city status until 1970. It is located on high ground five miles from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth on the route of major road and rail crossings across the firth to Edinburgh and the south.
Dunfermline was an ancient capital of Scotland and is the burial place for many in the country's line of monarchs including Robert I and Saint Margaret. The poet Robert Henryson, one of the country's major literary figures, also lived in Dunfermline and was associated with its abbey. Ruins of the former monastic buildings around the abbey, now a parish church, include the remains of the royal palace and are an important tourist attraction.
In modern times, the most famous son of Dunfermline was the wealthy industrialist, businessman, and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He was the central figure in promoting its early twentieth century urban renewal and his financial legacy is still of major importance.
Traditional industries in Dunfermline's catchment area have principally involved textiles, engineering, defence and electronics. In more recent times this has begun to diversify into the service sectors, including tourism.
According to the recent population estimate (2006), the town has 45,462 people living within its boundaries, this is a substantial rise from the 41,508 people recorded living there in 2001 which has resulted from the major expansion of the town in the east. It also falls under the wider Dunfermline and West-Fife Local Plan area which has an overall total population of around 100,324.
History
The name Dunfermline is a composite of the Celtic terms Dun (fortified hill), fiaram (bent or crooked) and lin (pool or waterfall), which translates as the promontory at the crook in the stream. Although there have been other interpretations of the name. There is a belief that part of the name - "ferm(e)lin" - may in fact come from the Irish word "fir" with the plural meaning "fer" (translated as "pear") as the location of clans and ferm groups across West Fife in early medieval times in Scotland. The first historical record of Dunfermline was as a centre for the Culdee faith around 506AD. The town's name was first recorded as "Dunfermelitane" in the confirmation charters by David I in 1128. Dunfermline was credited as a "menus burgh" by David II of Scotland with evidence suggesting that burgh of barony status took place between 1124 and 1147. Royal burgh status was later granted by James VII in 1588. The name Dunfermline was officially adopted in 1609 but references had been made previously in the seals and badges of the royal coat of arms.
In 1069, Malcolm III took the Saxon princess, Margaret as his second wife, and his new Queen's faith, with its roots in the Catholicism of her native Hungary, was instrumental in bringing about profound religious and cultural changes in the newly established royal centre. Queen Margaret encouraged Malcolm III to convert the small Culdee church into a Benedictine priory.
This was to prove a major factor in the romanisation of the church in Scotland. The benedictine priory was then upgraded to abbey status (hence Dunfermline Abbey) by her son, David I of Scotland in 1128. During the course of several decades, the abbey gained power and wealth in Dunfermline with the dedication of 26 altars being gifted by the individuals and guilds; at the peak of the abbey's power, it controlled areas of land from Moray in the north all the way to Berwickshire close to the English border, including four burghs and three courts of regality. On 23 October 1295 the first known documentation of the Auld Alliance was signed in the Palace.
Dunfermline would remain the de facto capital of Scotland until the brutal assassination of James I at Perth in 1437. Relocation of the Scottish courts to London after the 1603 Union of the Crowns saw the loss of the town's royal connections. A subsequent fire in 1624, left a large part of the town in ruin - with only the Abbot's House being the only survivor - as a result of this and with the reformation depriving the town of its ecclesiastical importance, Dunfermline quickly declined.
The town impressed Daniel Defoe as showing the "full perfection of decay" but soon regained prosperity. The introduction of the weaving of fine damask linen in 1718 by James Blake would lead to the town becoming the world's leading producer. . Among other industries that have contributed to the economic life of the town were dyeing, bleaching; soap (from 1790s); rope-making (from 1830s); iron founding; textile milling; distillery and brewing. During the mid-19th century, linen damsk was gradually replaced by the production of powerloom. The latter did not survive, going into decline straight after the end of First World War. The establishment of Scotland's only Royal Navy Dockland in neighbouring Rosyth in 1909, boosted by two world wars, led to further growth in the town becoming the area's only major employer.
After the end of the second world war, traditional industries such as linen and coal became obsolete in the town, many factories ceased production. New housing in Dunfermline began in the late 1940s with the construction of temporary prefabs and Swedish timber houses around areas such as Kingseat and Townhill providing electricity, water and sewage systems. Council housing was focused towards Abbotsview (on a 240 site on Aberdour Road); Touch (to the south of Garnock Hill); Bellyeoman and Balridgeburn. Private housing became focused to the north of Garnock Hill and on the site of West Pitchorie Farm. Manfacturing in the town rejuvenated by the early 1960s when Monotype Corporation opening a new factory in Halbeath. A new business park known as Carnegie Campus opened in the mid-1970s, following the arrival of the Dutch firm, Philips and the re-location of the offices of the Dunfermline Press. Smaller industrial estates were focused on Dickson Street, Halbeath Drive and Primrose Lane.
Nowadays, Dunfermline has since been adapted into a dormitory town for Edinburgh. The town still functions as the main centre for shopping and leisure facilities within West Fife. Main employers in the town include the likes of Bank of Scotland, Dunfermline Building Society and Sky.
Governance
The town and burgh of Dunfermline once had a town council. Royal burgh status was abolished and Dunfermline was stripped of its city status in 1975, under the new acts, Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and the County Planning (Scotland) Act 1972. This was replaced as a three-tier authority with Dunfermline District Council serving the town and West Fife from Kincardine to Aberdour. More recently, this was replaced by a single-tier authority - Fife Council which was has been based in Glenrothes since 1996.
Local Government
The Dunfermline area supports three multi-member wards with eleven councillors sitting on the committee of Fife Council. Being the headquarters for the west region of Fife Council, the town still has a control administrative and planning issues which are based in the city chambers - first built between 1879 and 1881 in a blend of French, Gothic and Scots baronial styles.
Historically, the City Chambers were designed to be the centre for local government in the area and still house the Burgh Court and the City Chambers.
Westminster and Holyrood
Dunfermline is within the Dunfermline West (Scottish Parliament constituency), the Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region) of the Scottish Parliament (at Holyrood) and the Dunfermline and West Fife (UK Parliament constituency) (at Westminster).
The Dunfermline West Scottish Parliament (or Holyrood) constituency created in 1999 is one of nine within the Mid Scotland and Fife electoral region. Each constituency elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the first past the post system of election, and the region elects seven additional members to produce a form of proportional representation. The seat is currently held by Jim Tolson for the Liberal Democrats.
The Dunfermline and West Fife UK (or Westminster) constituency, created in 2005 when the previous seats Dunfermline East and Dunfermline West were abolished, elects a Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom by the first past the post system. The seat is currently held by Willie Rennie for the Liberal Democrats since the result of the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election in 2006 following the passing of the previous MP, Rachel Squire.
Town Centre
The centre of Dunfermline is a conservation area with a diverse mix of historic buildings and architecture. The historic abbey and the ruins of the Royal Palace of Dunfermline lie to the southwest of the town centre. Many of the prominent buildings on the skyline are historic churches of Kirks including St Leonard's Parish Church (1902-4), adjacent to the town centre railway station, which features an imitation Irish round tower. The United Free church in Queen Anne Street founded by Ralph Erskine, and the Gillespie church, named after Thomas Gillespie (17081774) are of notable since both Erskine and Gillespie were important figures in the Secession movement. Erskine is commemorated by a statue in front of his church and a sarcophagus over his grave in the abbey churchyard; Gillespie by a marble tablet on the wall above his resting-place within the abbey.
Dunfermline is also a popular shopping destination and records some of the highest levels of footfall in Fife . The main shopping thoroughfare is located along a traditional, pedestrianised High Street that includes a newly extended shopping mall, the Kingsgate Centre. Improvement works are currently being undertaken to enhance the public realm and historic streetscape.
Public facilities in and around the centre include the Carnegie Theatre, the Carnegie Library, the Carnegie Sports Centre and the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Dunfermline police station, sheriff court and fire station are located at various points on Carnegie Drive to the north of the town centre. Other important structures are the County buildings, St Margaret's Catholic church, the Music Institute, the Carnegie hall, the Carnegie public baths, the high school (founded in 1560) and the school of science and art.
Landmarks
Dunfermline Abbey is considered to be one of the best examples of Scoto-Norman monastic architecture.
Originally built as a beneditctine priory by Queen Margaret, the church was raised to abbey status (hence becoming Dunfermline Abbey) in 1128 by her son, David I of Scotland. Priory Geoffrey in place as the first abbot. Work began on the abbey from 1128 to 1250 - only the nave of the medieveal church survives in one piece. This area also contains a good example of one of Dunfermline's medieval ports, or yetts.
To the north of the abbey, situated on the corner of the May Gate and Abbot Street, the abbots' house - is one of the oldest houses in Dunfermline, said to partly date from around 1450. This was initially built as a residence of the abbots of Dunfermline Abbey until this ended in 1540 following the decision of Abbot George Durie to move into accommodation offered by Dunfermline Palace. Owned and operated by Dunfermline Carnegie Trust, the building is now an award-winning heritage centre. Work to convert the building into a heritage centre began in 1993, followed by a restoration by Peter Ransom in 1994, before completition in 1995.
Sport and recreation
Dunfermline is home to professional league teams in football, rugby and cricket. Dunfermline Athletic who play their games at East End Park became famous for winning the Scottish cup twice in the 1960s (1961 and 1968) gaining a reputation as a side for competitive football in both England and mainland Europe. Dunfermline Cricket Club and Dunfermline Rugby Club both play on McKane Park. Bowling has also been a successful pastime in the town since the establishment of Dunfermline Bowling club in 1852, followed by other clubs such as Dunfermline Northern; Abbeyview and Dunfermline West End. Ice Hockey was a less successful venture with the short-lived Dunfermline Vikings playing their games in Dunfermline Ice Rink between 1939 and 1955.
Leisure facilities in the town include The Carnegie Centre; Pitreavie athletics ground; four golf courses (Dunfermline, Canmore and Pitreavie) and Pittencrieff Park (known locally as "the glen") considered by many to be one of Scotland's finest public parks.
Culture
The town's most famous son - Andrew Carnegie - is still widely celebrated. Many of his gifts which he donated to the town such as Carnegie Centre, Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Library, and in particular, Pittencrieff Park were intended to "bring into the monotonous lives of the toiling masses of Dunfermline more sweetness and light". Four charities in his name still have their headquarters here - the Dunfermline Carnegie Trust; the Carnegie Hero Fund; the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland and the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust. The Dunfermline Carnegie Trust became established by Andrew Carnegie in 1903 for the general maintenance of Pittencrieff Park. They have also been responsible for starting an annual gala day (within the grounds of Pittencrieff Park) in 1904; converting the Women's Institute into a youth centre in 1947 (which is still running, now based in Commercial Street)and improving the appearance of Pitreavie playing fields over the years with a running track and main stand for the benefit of talented athletics in local area to be able to reach national and international levels. A museum dedicated to the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie containing artefacts is located on the southern gateway of the town centre. The museum also runs annual heritage walks every summer.
Dunfermline is fortunate to have been bequeathed with two theatres, the Carnegie Hall Theatre and the Alhambra. Carnegie Hall is a 540-seat theatre complete with a music institute and a restaurant. The other, which is The Albraham is due to re-open sometime towards the end of 2009. Initially opening in 1922, this B-listed building of vernacular influence, claims to have one of the largest stages and seat capacities in Scotland. A campaign in the theatre was launched in late 2007, ahead of the re-opening, known only as "Alhambra Alive".
Dunfermline has always had a folk music tradition. Local groups include the Dunfermline Folk Club, Dunfermline Abbey Choir and Dunfermline district pipe band. Live Music Venues, also have had a strong prominence in Dunfermline with the likes of Montys and PJ Molloys. Many night clubs are also present such as Harlem, Johnson's, Life and Lorenzo's (Formerly Urban) and are mainly concentrated around the town centre.. 'Velocity' / 'Kinema Live' serves as both a nightclub and music venue (previously known as The Kinema Ballroom, Night Magic, Hollywood Boulevard & The Ballroom). Many bands to come out of Dunfermline in terms of popular music such as The Skids, Big Country, Nazareth and Yoshi (Yoshi band).
Education
Dunfermline is home to four secondary schools, several primary schools, two schools for learning difficulties and a college. Initially, Dunfermline High School served as the main school in the town until the introduction of the comprehensive system. Around this period also saw a new Catholic secondary to serve West Fife. There were also many new primary schools such as Blacklaw, Pitcorthie, Linburn and Touch built between 1958 and 1970 to serve the new housing developments because of the poor access and locations of many of the already existing ones.
Carnegie College, originally known as Lauder College is the only college in the town which is a partner and has links with Dunfermline Business Centre.
Primary Schools
- Bellyeoman Primary School - serving Bellyeoman and Kingseathill.
- Canmore Primary School - serving the east of Pitcorthie.
- Commercial Primary School - serving Woodmill, the south of Headwell, and the west of Garvock
- Duloch Primary School - serving the Duloch area.
- Lynburn Primary School - serving the north and east of Abbeyview.
- Masterton Primary School - serving Masterton.
- McLean Primary School - serving Broomhead, the west of Headwell and the area around East Baldridge Drive.
- Milesmark Primary School - serving Milesmark and Parkneuk.
- Pitcorthie Primary School - serving the south and east of Abbeyview and the area around Blacklaw Road.
- Pitreavie Primary School - serving the west of Pitcorthie and the Izatt Avenue area of Brucefield.
- Pittencrieff Primary School - serving Pittencrieff and most of the town centre.
- St Leonards Primary School - serving Brucefield, St Leonards and Nethertown.
- St Margaret's Primary School - serving Catholic children across Dunfermline.
- Touch Primary School - serving Touch, the east of Garvock and the Linburn Road area.
- Townhill Primary School - serving Townhill and the north of Headwell.
- Wellwood Primary School - serving Wellwood.
High Schools
- Dunfermline High School - serving the centre and south of the town, as well as Kincardine and part of Rosyth.
- Queen Anne High School - serving the north of the town, as well as villages across West Fife.
- St Columba's High School - serving children of all faiths across West Fife, from Kincardine in the west to Cowdenbeath in the east.
- Woodmill High School - serving the east of the town, as well as North Queensferry.
Transport
Dunfermline is served by the A907 which meets the M90 and A92 to the east of the town at Halbeath Interchange. This connects the town to Perth to the north, Edinburgh to the south and Kirkcaldy to the west. The main routes through the town are Halbeath Road and Carnegie Drive (A907) from east to west and Pilmuir Street and Hospital Hill (B984) from north to south.
The main bus terminus is located on a site to the north of the town centre which provides fourteen stances as well as having seating, toilets and a cafe. Two railway stations serve the town, Dunfermline Town to the south of the town centre and Dunfermline Queen Margaret to the east of the town, near Queen Margaret Hospital.
Notable people
- Andrew Carnegie, (1835-1919), is the most celebrated of all Dunfermline's sons, as he is certainly Dunfermline's greatest benefactor. He gave to his birthplace the free library and public baths, and, in 1903, the estate of Pittencrieff Park and Glen, rich in historical associations as well as natural charm, together with bonds yielding £25,000 a year, in trust for the maintenance of the park, the support of a theatre for the production of plays of the highest merit, the periodical exhibitions of works of art and science, the promotion of horticulture among the working classes and the encouragement of technical education in the district. So while New York's Carnegie Hall is much better known, Dunfermline has its own.
- Manny Charlton (b. July 25, 1941) is a musician best known as the guitarist and producer for the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth. His family were immigrants from La Linea, Spain. Charlton joined a semi-pro Dunfermline band called The Shadettes in 1968, which morphed into Nazareth.
- Robert Henryson (c.1430-c.1500), one of Scotland's major poets, was connected with the abbey and probably ran the grammar school that served its abbatial Burgh. He wrote in a period when Dunfermline was one of the key cultural centres in Scotland. His poetry, which is subtle, vivid and multi-layered, often conveys a strong impression of the life and landscape that would have been found in and around the royal burgh. It is also a rich record of the Scots as it was spoken at that time. It is possible, though not certain, that he was native to The Kingdom of Fife and he has been tentatively associated with Clan Henderson of Fordell.
- Charles I (19 November 1600 30 January 1649), King of England, Scotland , France and Ireland.
- Sir Joseph Noel Paton (1821-1901), painter and poet, and whose father was a designer of patterns for the damask trade
Notable residents include:
- David Ferguson (ca. 1533-1598), parish minister who made the first collection of Scottish proverbs (not published until 1641),
Twin cities and towns
See also
External links
- - a guide to Dunfermline
- - featuring the world's first Carnegie Library in Dunfermline.
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Bibliography
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